DAVAO CITY — The Health department has reported low firecracker-related injuries during the 2022 New Year’s eve celebration compared to the same time 2021,
The DOH in a statement said, based on reports received as of 1 January 202, “Filipinos enjoyed a safer and healthier New Year celebration for 2022 with 85 cases of injuries related to fireworks compared to 96 reported cases during the 2021 New Year celebration, which is 11% lower,” said Health Secretary Francisco T. Duque III during the press conference held at East Avenue Medical Center. The press conference was also attended by the Philippine National Police and the Bureau of Fire Protection.
According to the report, Firework-Related Injuries Surveillance Report from 21 December 2021 to 1 January 2022, most of the cases were reported from NCR (36%), followed by Region 6 (15%), and Region 1 (13%). Minors and young adults between 11 to 30 years old were injured the most. Prohibited firecrackers, including Boga, 5-Star, and Piccolo, still caused a significant number of cases.
While more than half of the cases (61%) were blast/burn injuries not requiring amputation, about 12% still required amputation. About 58% of the cases were passive spectators or bystanders. More than half of the cases (58%) occurred at home and 45% happened in the streets.
There was no reported case of fireworks ingestion and no reported case of stray bullet injury. However, the Department informs the public that these numbers may change in the coming days due to late reporting and consultations.
Duque said the continuous decline in fireworks-related injuries since 2016 is a testament of the impact of a people-centered, participatory and collaborative whole-of-nation, whole-of-government, and whole-of-society approach in preventing debilitating fireworks injuries.
Given the observation, “the DOH vowed to continue strengthening our efforts, including pushing for stronger policies similar to Executive Order No. 28 series of 2017 Providing for the Regulation and Control of the Use of Firecrackers and Other Pyrotechnic Devices to realize our goal — for Filipinos to be healthier and safer from fireworks-related injuries,” Duque emphasized.
The DOH urges all Filipinos to never waiver in observing the minimum public health standards amidst the growing cases of COVID-19 from increased mobility during the holidays and the looming threat of the Omicron variant.
Those vaccinated must get booster jabs, ensure good air ventilation, wear face masks, maintain physical distancing, and practice hand hygiene at all times.
“We welcome 2022 with renewed optimism for a Healthier Pilipinas – one that is made possible by sustained commitment and concerted action of families and communities, the public and the private sector.” the Health Secretary said.
